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Abstract

As a new kind of computing paradigm, pervasive computing will meet the requirements of human being that anybody maybe obtain services in anywhere and at anytime, task-oriented seamless migration is one of its applications. Apparently, the function of seamless mobility is suitable for mobile services, such as mobile Web-based learning. In this chapter, under the banner of seamless mobility, we propose a kind of approach supporting task-oriented mobile distance learning paradigm. Web-based seamless migration, which has the capability that task for mobile distance learning (MDL) dynamically follows the learner from place to place and machine to machine without learner’s awareness or intervention by active service. Our key idea is this capability can be achieved by architecture of component smart platform and agent-based migrating mechanism. In order to clarify the approach, firstly, a description of the task for mobile distance learning and migrating granularity of task has been suggested. Then, the mechanism of seamless migration has been described, including solving several important sub-problems, such as transferring delay, transferring failure, residual computation dependency. Finally, our implemented platform for Web-based seamless migration has been explained, the validity comparison and evaluation of this kind of mobile distance learning paradigm is shown by an experimental demo. Suggested Web-based learning paradigm by seamless migration is convenient to distance learn during mobility and is useful for the busy or mobile distance learner.

Description For Task Of Learning

In order to clarify and realize how to transfer tasks of learning among different distance computing environments, firstly, a formal description and classification of task is required, which is independent of the realization mechanism. To adapt the environment of pervasive computing, a universal description language for task of learning should be used. Nowadays, the description languages for workflow or task of learning are mainly based on stationary computing environment (Simmons & Apfelbaum, 2001). However, the computing environment of seamless mobility is dynamic and mobile, so the description language should be abstract and self-adapted. Based on our knowledge, XML (extended markup language) and SMIL (synchronized multimedia integration language) released by W3C can be used (Shi & Xie, 2003).